The Cliks have been a revolutionary band in the queer scene, with lead-singer Lucas Silveira being the first openly trans person to be signed to a major record label. I’ve been listening to the band for the last 6 years, and took special interest in them when they re-emerged in 2013 from a long hiatus. I wrote a few articles about the band for BlogTO and Listen Queer, and attended their CD release show for Black Tie Elevator. I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to take the stage with them. But Toronto has a funny way of providing me with dreams-come-true scenarios, over and over again (just look through this blog!). When I noticed the Cliks were looking for a new drummer, I auditioned, got it, and rolled into this summer doing my first ever international tour dates with a well-known band that I respect and admire.

A 12-hour drive from Toronto, we arrived in Indianapolis, geared up to play the main stage for Indy Pride Festival. We had an early rise, with a 8am sound check on a big outdoor stage. An hour before our set, a driver picked us up at our 5-star hotel, and drove us down to the festival. Police officers had to herd the hundreds of people to get out of the way of our vehicle. As we slowly proceeded through the crowd, the half-dressed Pride goers curiously peered in our windows to see what all the fuss was about. Cops escorted us out of the car and back stage, where we had our own air conditioned RV, and a Pride volunteer taking care of our every beer need.

When it was our time to play, I stepped on stage where I was greeted by the biggest crowd I’ve ever played to. It was wild! We blasted through our set, with fans singing along to every word. When all was said and done, I headed over to the merch table where there was a crazy long line up of smiling fans. I helped sell CDs, shirts, and stickers, and was even asked to sign autographs and have my photo taken! I felt like a real rockstar for an afternoon – it was super cool. What a huge accomplishment this was for me. I learned a lot about the road, the music industry, festival life, and myself as a musician and traveller. Next stop – San Diego on July 19th!

That’s right, I throw parties now. Not just regular old parties either. Born Ready is a fun flirtatious playground for queers and all their friends to dance, drink, and get sweaty on the dance floor. Our first event went down at the start of April here in Toronto at Tattoo Queen West. It was a smashing success, with amazing DJs Madam D, Essence Brown, and fuckin’ Regina the Gentlelady (go LIGHT FIRES), plus projectors, photographers, and even a goddamn kissing booth! Too much fun. Some photos from the “Reality Bites” event are posted below. If you are a queer looking to party in the GTA, make sure you keep up with us on the Born Ready Facebook page! More to come my homomies!

Pride weekend: sweaty, scandalous, and sexy. Just as it should be. The highlight of my Pride this year was most definitely playing the Bud Light South Stage with Ruby Randall on Saturday’s Dyke Day Afternoon. Playing music I love, with friends I love, at a place that celebrates who I love. It was an absolute dream come true!

The Cliks finished off their BLACK TIE ELEVATOR tour with a hometown CD release in Toronto. They put on an energetic show, and Lucas had all the ladies swooning (myself included). I met Lucas after the show and congratulated him on all the success:

My latest Listen Queer article talks about the band’s 4-year hiatus, and how they’ve come out of it sounding better than ever. Check out the details here!